The Dallas Cowboys have been linked with a potential trade for Miami Dolphins All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks, with the Cincinnati Bengals also emerging as a possible destination. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz believes Miami should consider moving Brooks, who is entering the final year of his contract after leading the NFL with 183 tackles in 2025. However, the Dolphins have not indicated they are actively shopping the star linebacker. The Dallas Cowboys are once again being linked with a big-name defensive addition, this time in the form of Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks. If Miami moves the first-team All-Pro before his contract expires after the 2026 season, Dallas could be a logical trade destination, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz said.Brooks has a $11.98 million cap hit in 2026 and with extension talks yet to take place, speculation has grown that the Dolphins could look to trade him rather than risk having him hit free agency. CategoryDetailsPlayerJordyn BrooksCurrent TeamMiami DolphinsRumored TeamDallas Cowboys, Cincinnati BengalsContract StatusFinal year of contract (expires after 2026 season)Salary Cap HitApproximately $11.98 million (2026)Trade LikelihoodModerateLatest Insider UpdateESPN’s Aaron Schatz believes Miami should consider trading BrooksPotential ReturnDraft pick(s), potentially Day 2 or Day 3 compensation
Which teams are interested in Jordyn Brooks?
The Cowboys and Bengals have both surfaced as potential landing spots if Brooks becomes available. Dallas has spent the offseason rebuilding a defense that struggled throughout 2025, particularly after trading Micah Parsons before the season. Adding a proven linebacker would strengthen a unit that has already undergone significant changes.Cincinnati also fits the profile. The Bengals have a playoff-caliber offense but could benefit from another impact defender in the middle of the field.Brooks is coming off the best season of his career, leading the NFL with 183 total tackles while adding 3.5 sacks. His production makes him one of the league’s most valuable linebackers heading into the final year of his deal.
What insiders are saying about the trade rumors
ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz believes Miami should think long term instead of allowing Brooks to leave without compensation.”Look, is there any point in the Dolphins keeping good players if their contracts end after the 2026 season? Brooks could possibly re-sign with Miami to be part of the rebuild. But he’s likely gone, so the Dolphins should get something for him. Brooks was a first-team All-Pro linebacker last season, leading the league with 183 total tackles and adding 3.5 sacks as a blitzer. He would be a useful addition for a team with a contending-quality offense but also a need at linebacker, perhaps the Bengals or Cowboys.”While the suggestion makes sense on paper, there is no indication that Miami is actively shopping Brooks. The Dolphins have publicly identified him as one of the franchise’s cornerstone players.
Contract details and salary cap implications
Brooks is entering the final season of his current contract and has not received the type of long-term extension already handed to teammates De’Von Achane and Aaron Brewer.For any acquiring team, his contract is manageable for one season. However, a trade would likely come with the expectation of negotiating a new deal before he reaches free agency. Brooks does not have a no-trade clause, giving Miami flexibility should it decide to move him.
How the trade could impact both teams
For Dallas, adding Brooks would immediately raise the ceiling of a defense searching for consistency. Even after acquiring Dee Winters and drafting Jaishawn Barham, the Cowboys remain thin at linebacker. DeMarvion Overshown is expected to play a larger role, but injuries have limited his availability.From Miami’s perspective, trading Brooks would signal a greater commitment to the future. Rather than risking his departure in free agency, the Dolphins could add valuable draft assets while continuing to reshape the roster. Whether that scenario becomes reality may depend on how extension talks unfold over the coming months.